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MEXICO CITY - The Resurgence of a Food and Cultural Mecca! #MexicoCentral

April 11, 2017

With its world-class museums, fascinating architecture
and cutting-edge food scene juxtaposed against ancient treasures and old-world
traditions, modern day Mexico City is a walking masterpiece of Mexico’s past
and present that will seduce you with its magnificence. Open your mind, and
discover why this cosmopolitan capital has come into its own and re-emerged as
a cultural mecca for in-the-know travellers.

One of the world’s largest cities, the Mexican capital is
home to 22 million people. Mexico City – or DF
as locals call it, short for Distrito Federal - is packed and chaotic, guaranteed
to invigorate intrepid travellers. And still, if you wander into the city’s inviting
colonias (neighbourhoods) there is a
quaint intimacy that beckons you to unwind and sip a latte al fresco. Mexico
City is a study in contrasts, and a place that will inspire you beyond your imagination.

Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins
of Tenochtitlan (the old Aztec capital), Mexico City remains one of the most captivating
UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Its heart beats in the Zócalo Plaza in the Centro
Histórico. This impressive plaza, officially called the Plaza de la
Constitución, is flanked by the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, the Renaissance-style
National Palace and the Colonial Arcade. Soak up the scene. The Zócalo is buzzing
with life and bystanders watching performers re-enact Aztec history. Each
morning and night, ceremoniously, Mexican soldiers install and remove the giant
Mexican flag that sits in the centre of the square. Steps away stand the pre-Hispanic
ruins of the 14th century Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple where
anthropologists continue to unearth ancient relics displayed at the onsite
museum.

Discovering the city is a life lesson in purging stereotypes.
If you think you know Mexico City based on past media reports, you don’t! Become
acquainted with DF’s resurgence by exploring its distinctive colonias, many of
which have been gentrified. Start with the bohemian Condesa and Roma districts that
will lure you in with their hip bars, trendy restaurants, sidewalk cafes and edgy
boutiques. La Condesa features Art-Deco architecture along the tree-lined
Avenida Ámsterdam that circles Parque Mexico – the city is filled with these peaceful
pockets of nature that provide a welcome change of pace from the chaos. Its neighbour, Roma, was adopted by artsy
Chilangos and is lined with French-style 19th century mansions and an inspiring
street-art movement, perfect for Instagram photo-ops. For glamour and high-end
fashion head to the swanky Polanco neighbourhood that serves as the playground
for the rich and famous, with its main street Avenida Masaryk reminiscent of
Rodeo Drive.

Much of Mexico City’s spectacular architecture is European in flavour. Not only
was the former Aztec city rebuilt and redesigned by the Spanish in the 16th
century, the country’s former president, Porfirio Díaz, was so enamored with France
that he had Europe’s finest architects replicate its beauty throughout. Nowhere
is that more evident than along the striking avenue, Paseo de la Reforma, styled
after Paris’s famed boulevard, Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Mexico City offers
all the history, allure and great culinary experiences of a European getaway,
but at a fraction of the cost and travel time. And at an altitude of 7,000 feet
above sea level, the climate is perfect for site-seeing!

Mexico City was originally built on a network of canals
that were later filled to accommodate its millions of citizens. If you look
closely, you will note that many of the buildings appear lopsided because of
this. Like Venice, Mexico City is a sinking beauty. A boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco aboard a colourful and traditional
trajinera (a pre-hispanic boat) will take you on a journey to what the city was
like six centuries ago. Sail along the canals as you eat, drink and take in the
sites, while listening to live mariachi play along the waters.

Many are unaware that DF is home to more museums than
any other city in the world. There are literally hundreds of galleries and
museums to explore. Among its most exciting are the massive National Museum of
Anthropology with its remarkable collection of Aztec and Mayan artifacts; the Palacio
Nacional with its bold mural from the legendary Diego Rivera depicting the
history of Mexico; and Frida Kahlo’s ‘Casa Azul’ (Blue House) that provides an
intimate glimpse into the life and times of this artistic icon. Admire Latin
America’s largest collection of decorative arts at the Museo Franz Mayer; visit
the modern marvel known as Museo Soumaya; the Museo Nacional de Arte is housed
in a neoclassical building that is just as impressive as the art; and of course
you must visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes which features a variety of exhibits
in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Mexico City's atmospheric markets are teeming with colour
and life. From woven blankets to painted pottery, exotic fruit to produce,
herbal remedies to shaman healers, DF’s markets are a lesson in Mexican
folk-art and culture. There are over 300 markets to choose from, not including
another 1000+ tianguis (open-air
markets that pop-up every week on the same day). The standouts include the Mercado
Jamaica, La Cuidadela, Sonora Market and La Merced.

Thirty minutes north of Mexico City you will find the mystic
Teotihuacán ("teh-oh-tee-wa-KHAN") Pyramids, known as the ‘Birthplace
of the Gods.’ Built in 300 BC, this pre-Aztec site is home to the third largest
pyramid in the world and is one of the most impressive archeological sites this
side of the Nile. Keep your camera close and climb to the top of the Pyramid of
the Moon for an awe-inspiring view over the Valley of the Dead.

The food scene is reason enough to visit! The capital
is bursting with amazing restaurants from a new generation of chefs that take
locally sourced ingredients and modern applications to create new versions on
Mexican classics. There is also plenty of inexpensive and utterly delicious street
food to be enjoyed throughout. (Click here for a list of WHERE TO EAT IN MEXICO CITY!)

Mexico City brings to mind a famous quote by Mark
Twain, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Much has
been said about this city, but all who visit would agree that this modern
metropolis with its warm-hearted people, incredible cuisine and countless cultural
riches is having its moment right now. If you haven’t gone, you should!

Images by Travelista73

STAY At Zócalo Central,
you book the flight and the hotel’s ‘Experience Planners’ will help you plan
the rest. Located in the city’s historical epicentre, the 105 room Zócalo Central is housed in a 400 year old historical building that once belonged to
Hernán Cortés, the man who conquered Mexico City from the Aztec. The hotel’s impressive rooftop restaurant – El
Balcon del Zócalo – serves some of the city’s best food and offers breathtaking
views over the Zócalo Plaza. www.centralhoteles.com

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Travelista73 is an online destination that inspires travel dreams and journeys through a collection of images, travel tips, hotel reviews, getaway guides and travel stories curated by travel journalist and writer Francesca Spizzirri, known internationally as Travelista73.